TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A Tucson woman is sharing the story of her son's death following a new study showing Arizona is one of the worst states for teen fentanyl deaths.

of UCLA research Determining the severity of fentanyl deaths among teens in Arizona.

It details the deaths of 29 14- and 18-year-olds in Pima County from 2020 to 2023.

“My son is one of them,” said Monique Gutierrez, whose son Isaac Diego Gutierrez died in 2021.

“He was going to graduate early. He got a job working at Whataburger. He was a typical teenager who liked making money,” Monique said.

However, Isaac's life was cut short on May 1 when Monique claimed he had experimented with drugs with a friend.

“He called and he said Isaac passed away in his arms, which means he could have called 911,” Monique explained.

“In many cases, when the pills are distributed separately to students, more deaths occur,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, the White House's director of drug control policy.

Mr. Gupta said that although illegal drug use among teens is decreasing, they often order drugs that they cannot decipher.

“Young people often don't realize what they think is Xanax or Adderall when they're trying to order drugs on social media apps. After all, they all contain lethal or lethal doses of fentanyl. It turns out to be,” said Mr.

This is a topic Monique tries to inform others about from time to time by handing out informational flyers.

She believes Narcan should be required in all schools.

“We are not our children's friends, we are their parents. As long as you educate them and talk to them, and every day when they come home from school, talk to them and look them in the eyes.” said Monique.

Monique hopes her message will prevent other parents from going through what she did.

The Pima County Coroner's Office tracks all overdose deaths in the county.For more information click here.